Pilots reported problem before deadly helicopter crash

A preliminary investigation by the Israel Air Force into the circumstances of the Apache helicopter which crashed last night found that the tragedy was caused by a malfunction in the helicopter's rotors, which help keep the vehicle stable.

The two pilots reported the problem nine minutes before attempting to land at the IAF base in Mitzpeh Ramon following a training exercise.

Pilot David Zohar from Haifa, an Israeli Air Force pilot on reserve duty, was killed in the crash. A second pilot was severely injured and taken to Soroka Hospital in Be'er Sheva, where he underwent surgery to stabilize his condition.

Zohar's funeral will take place this afternoon at the military cemetery in Haifa.